A passenger on a Wizz Air flight asked to deplane moments before takeoff, reportedly due to concerns about Shabbat desecration. The airline said the flight was slightly delayed for an additional security check and will depart once it is completed.
Wizz Air has stated that the Rome–Tel Aviv flight was delayed due to an additional security check and will depart once it is completed. The airline's statement comes after reports that a passenger asked to deplane moments before takeoff, citing concerns over Shabbat desecration.
The incident first emerged at 18:46 Jerusalem, when ynet reported that a passenger on a Wizz Air flight from Rome to Tel Aviv demanded to deplane just before takeoff, citing concerns over Shabbat desecration. The flight was initially canceled, passengers were evacuated, and the captain announced the cancellation. Subsequent reports indicated the flight would resume, then that it was delayed further. At 19:49 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported the passenger's Shabbat concern as the reason for the request. The airline's current statement now attributes the delay to a security check, without specifying whether it is related to the passenger's request.
The Zioneer has previously reported on incidents involving Wizz Air, including a special-needs girl denied boarding at Ben Gurion Airport after passing all security checks (Thu Jul 9), and the airline's efforts to open a base at Ben Gurion (Sun Jun 28).
The passenger's identity has not been disclosed, and it is unclear whether the additional security check was prompted by the request to deplane or by other factors. The exact nature of the Shabbat concern has not been detailed.
8 developments
- DevelopingSpecial-needs girl denied boarding at Ben Gurion Airport after passing all security checks
- DevelopingFlight canceled before takeoff after child disrupts plane, creates unsafe conditions
- DevelopingWave of customer complaints over Israir delays and cancellations sweeps social media
- DevelopingWizz Air seeks to proceed with base opening at Ben Gurion after return to Israel
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